Semen Retention in martial arts

In a recent episode of Skeptoid, host Brian Dunning answered some listener mail on Semen Retention in martial arts. Here's the part that discusses it:

Hi. I'm Jon Peder from the University of Bergen in Norway My question is: Is there anything to semen retention? Any positive or negative effects?

"Semen retention is a practice recommended by some martial arts experts and practioners of traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the control or prevention of ejaculation by applying pressure to block the ejaculatory duct. It has its basis in jing, which is one of the life force energies that the prescientific Chinese believed to exist, like qi. From a review of the published literature, it seems that different advocates have different takes on it. Some say you should always practice semen retention in order to keep yourself powerful by retaining jing; others say that a carefully followed regimen of ejaculation and retention is best to assure the proper management of jing.

Since jing exists only as a traditional belief and does not exist in the literal sense, there is little actual reason to practice semen retention. So far as I was able to find, there is little or no discussion of it outside of martial arts circles. Some martial artists speak of potential capillary damage from repeated practice, but I did not find this echoed in medical literature.

There's no medical reason to either ejaculate often or to prevent it. Spermatozoa, which are produced constantly, live for about three days, and once they die, they are disposed of by your body just like any other waste. The seminal fluid is also constantly being secreted and reabsorbed. These processes continue independently of whether or not you ejaculate. So if your sensei tells you to retain your semen to increase your life essence, it's probably not going to hurt you to do so; but neither is there any plausible benefit. It's just one more weird thing you can do with your body if it gives you jollies."

I heard of the practice (stay away from women when training, it will make your legs weak), but I've never heard any instructor seriously advocating it for training purposes. I would probably join a new gym if my martial arts instructor told me ejaculation was a bad thing.

... and yes masturbating makes you blind and spilling your seed makes you weak. It is God's way of punishing you for being Ungodly, unclean, and immoral.

It isn't like there would be some evolutionary advantage to being strong and fit after mating. What stupid fucking animal wants or needs to achieve anything like survival of your progeny, after you bust a nut?

Originally Posted by ghost55

Violence is pretty uncommon in clubs in this area, and the dude didn't seem particularly hostile up until the moment he slapped me.

“I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out.”
BILL HICKS,
1961-1994

Originally Posted by WFMurphyPhD

Slamming the man in the bottom position from time to time keeps everybody on their toes and discourages butt scooting stupidity.

... and yes masturbating makes you blind and spilling your seed makes you weak. It is God's way of punishing you for being Ungodly, unclean, and immoral.

It isn't like there would be some evolutionary advantage to being strong and fit after mating. What stupid fucking animal wants or needs to achieve anything like survival of your progeny, after you bust a nut?

Semen retention and drinking pee will make you a total badass. Before you inquire any further, though, I want to see a picture of your girlfriend. If she is hot enough, I will gladly make myself available for grief counseling over her loss of your sexuality.

Mushi mo atsui hodo
Mushiatsui

Originally Posted by chuey...Well **** if that isn't the most anti-Mr. Miyagi **** I have heard in ages.